Yahoo Lifestyle Jane Seymour Honors “Somewhere in Time” Director Jeannot Szwarc After His Death at 85: 'Changed My Life Forever'
The 1980 romance 'Somewhere in Time' starred Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve
Warner Bros. / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Jeannot Szwarc in 1984Jeannot Szwarc, the director known for 1978’s Jaws 2 and more, has died at the age of 85.
The French filmmaker, who was also known for directing the 1980’s romance Somewhere in Time and 1984’s action film Supergirl, died on Tuesday, Jan. 14, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His son Sacha, a film editor, told the outlet that Szwarc died of respiratory failure at Central Hospital in Loches, France.
Actress Jane Seymour, who played the role of Elise McKenna in Somewhere in Time, paid tribute to Szwarc as a “true visionary.”
“Today, we say goodbye to a true visionary. Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul,” she wrote on Instagram. “He gifted us many timeless stories, including Somewhere in Time, a film that changed my life forever. May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts.”
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Universal Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
Jeannot Szwarc on the set of 'Jaws 2' in 1978Related: Dame Joan Plowright, Oscar Nominee and Widow of Laurence Olivier, Dies at 95
Jaws and Jaws 2 actor Jeffrey Kramer also penned a tribute to the director. "RIP my dear JEANNOT SZWARC One of the finest most talented souls I was privileged to know!" his Instagram caption read, alongside a throwback black and white photo of the pair.
Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Eriko Tamura speaking to Jeannot Szwarc on the set of 'Heroes'Related: Kenny Law, Moonshiners Star, Dies at 68: 'We Lost a True Legend'
Jeannot was born on Nov. 21, 1939 in Paris, and he grew up in Argentina. According to Variety, he earned a master’s degree in political science at Harvard University before working in the entertainment industry. Per The Hollywood Reporter, it was when he returned to France that he began to work on TV commercials and documentaries.
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Jeannot Szwarc on the set of 'Grey's Anatomy'His TV show directing credits include 1970’s Columbo, The New Perry Mason and Rockford Files. He also directed episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Smallville and Supernatural.
Speaking to the fan website The Daily Jaws in June 2023, Jeannot was asked what his 60-second pitch would be if he was to direct another Jaws movie. “I have no idea,” he replied, before adding, “The shark ends up being inhabited by a brain that we have no idea of and is incredible.”
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